gas turbine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Engineering
Quick answer
What does “gas turbine” mean?
An internal combustion engine in which compressed air and fuel are mixed, burned, and forced through turbine blades to produce rotational power.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An internal combustion engine in which compressed air and fuel are mixed, burned, and forced through turbine blades to produce rotational power.
A technology or complete power generation unit (e.g., for electricity, propulsion) utilizing this engine as its core component.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; minor spelling variations in related terms (e.g., 'power plant' vs 'power station').
Connotations
Equally technical in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally common in technical/engineering contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “gas turbine” in a Sentence
[gas turbine] + [verb: powers/generates/drives] + [object][adjective] + [gas turbine] + [for/used in] + [application]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gas turbine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gas-turbine technology is advancing rapidly.
- A gas-turbine power station was proposed.
American English
- The gas-turbine technology is advancing rapidly.
- A gas-turbine power plant was proposed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in energy sector reports regarding power plant investments and efficiency.
Academic
Analysed in mechanical and aerospace engineering papers for thermodynamics and performance.
Everyday
Rare; mentioned in news about electricity generation or aircraft engines.
Technical
The primary term for the machine, with details on cycles, components, and maintenance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gas turbine”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gas turbine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gas turbine”
- Using 'gas turbine' as a verb (e.g., 'The plant gas turbines electricity').
- Confusing it with 'steam turbine' (different working fluid).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A jet engine is a type of gas turbine designed specifically for propulsion, using its exhaust to create thrust. Not all gas turbines are jet engines (e.g., those for power generation).
Primarily natural gas, but many can also use liquid fuels like diesel or aviation fuel.
A compressor, a combustion chamber, and a turbine.
They are key for electricity generation (offering flexibility and high efficiency in combined cycles) and for aircraft propulsion due to their high power-to-weight ratio.
Gas turbine is usually technical / engineering in register.
Gas turbine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡæs ˈtɜː.baɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡæs ˈtɝː.baɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a powerful GAS flame spinning (TURBINE) blades like a windmill, but driven by hot gas, not wind.
Conceptual Metaphor
A mechanical heart for power plants (takes in air/fuel, combusts, outputs power).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a gas turbine in a jet aircraft?